Portable Device for Detection of Harmful Substances

ABSTRACT

A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

The present Application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/806,425, filed Mar. 29, 2013, and of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/874,590, filed Sep. 6, 2013, both of which provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed towards a consumer assay device and, more particularly, to a device suited for immediate, portable, point-of-use testing for specified substances within foods, medicines, cosmetics, etc.

BACKGROUND

Food, drinks, cosmetics, etc. are known to contain contaminants, toxins, allergens and other substances that may be harmful to some, or to all, consumers. Consumers who have a negative reaction to particular types of substances often have an extremely difficult time when dealing with products, such as restaurant food, a new type of lotion, new medicines, etc., because of the likelihood that these products might contain some substance that is harmful to them. For example, millions of children have a variety of food-related allergies to foods such as milk, eggs, soy, wheat, or other grains, or to particular proteins or other allergens, and it can be extremely difficult for them and their families to find suitable foods, especially while eating outside of the home.

A device that could readily provide rapid diagnostics for harmful substances would be extremely useful and make the lives of consumers easier, safer, and less stressful.

Various methods exist for detection of most toxins and harmful substances that might be present in foods or other media. Examples of such methods entail testing in a sealable container (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,893), with a self-contained swab (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,040), and a container with multiple ports (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,335). However, most of the tests that are known in the art are, at the same time, time-consuming and often unrealistic for consumer use because they are bulky and require multiple steps. Such tests are suitable for a laboratory or food manufacturing setting, but not for household use.

Testing methods for substances of interest in food, such as those in the above paragraph, have been around for decades in the form of lateral flow devices (LFD). An example of a LFD is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,013, which is incorporated herein by reference. LFDs can accurately detect substances of interest dissolved in a liquid and are available for a variety of substances. Application of a LFD to detect a substance of interest requires the substance to be dissolved in a liquid. Extracting the substance from food takes time and effort. The food or other test material must be ground up in some form, placed in an appropriate solvent for the substance, and enough time must pass so that the substance is extracted by the solvent. Then, the solvent must be placed in contact with the LFD so the LFD can check the liquid for the substance of interest.

An LFD cannot be placed in the presence of the solvent before the extraction has occurred because, due to the operation of the LFD, it will be rendered useless.

The aforesaid steps and requirements make testing items such as food or cosmetics difficult unless the individual has space, time and knowledge. Providing a platform to accomplish all steps at once in an easy-to-use, portable and fast device would be of great help to millions of individuals.

Devices to aid in the maceration (otherwise referred to herein as “blending”) of solid samples, such as food, have been described in the past, however each prior art device has limitations. Examples of prior art maceration devices for consumer food testing may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,527,765, 7,776,266, and 8,211,715, all to Royds. Royds describes a device that can liquefy food using a reusable blending apparatus, which is not optimal for multiple repeated use in that it requires thorough cleaning between successive uses. Moreover, the Royds device requires multiple user steps to successively mix a sample in a solvent and then to detect toxins. The device taught by Royds does not allow for the liquidized food to be moved from the mixing area to a testing area, therefore the user must administer the test to the food himself or remove the liquefied food and move it to the testing area. In either case, the user's options are compromised, and the test is necessarily less discreet and more cumbersome than might be desired.

The concept of integrating maceration and testing facilities has long been known, and appears, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,174, to Deibel. The blending device taught by Deibel is contained within a vessel that allows for continuous mixing inside the vessel with a power supply outside the vessel. In the Deibel device, a rotating mixing blade is driven by a horizontal shaft that couples the blades to the motor. While such devices may be suitable for larger scale mixing, a far simpler one-time-use mixing device would be desirable for the consumer needs outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for testing a medium for the presence of a target analyte. The method has steps of:

a. placing the medium in a capsule, the capsule characterized by a volume, wherein the capsule is provisioned with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for the target analyte;

b. causing the solvent to come into contact with the medium in the capsule;

c. agitating the capsule, thereby agitating the solvent and the medium and creating a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium;

d. operating a release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor; and

e. producing an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the sensor is visible outside of the capsule. The release mechanism may be a valve disposed in a fluid path between the capsule and a portion of the sensor disposed outside of the capsule. The sensor may be disposed at least partially inside the capsule volume.

In further embodiments of the invention, agitation may be provided by a mixing apparatus. The solvent may be provided in a separate chamber within the capsule; and a valve may be activated to release the solvent to come in contact with the medium. The valve may be actuated by at least one of a mechanical actuator and an electromechanical actuator, and, at least in part, by a force applied by a user. The solvent may be filtered en route to the sensor.

In yet further embodiments, the step of agitating may include operating the mixing apparatus from outside the capsule. Power may be provided to the mixing apparatus by an electromechanical actuator or by a user of the device. The method may include a further step of providing for reading of the sensor by connection through physical, electronic, or electromagnetic methods to an outside housing. The method may also include a further step of transmitting a test result electronically, electromagnetically, or visually to an external device.

In embodiments of the claimed method, the medium may be a consumable or a substance that will come in contact with human or animal skin, and the target analyte may be a food allergen. The target analyte may be chosen from the group of materials causing negative responses in certain humans, including caffeine, phenylalanine, aspartame, MSG, heavy metals, artificial flavors, and artificial colors. Alternatively, the target analyte may be chosen from the group of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungus, yeast, pesticides, and other toxins, or from the group of dietary units including fat, protein, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a self-contained portable analysis device is provided. The self-contained portable analysis device has a housing with a capsule insertion port disposed in the housing for releasably receiving a capsule configured to retain a medium. The analysis device also has a sensor holder for retaining a sensor (which may be referred to herein as the “analysis device sensor,” to distinguish it from other sensors to which reference is made) and configured to bring the analysis device sensor into contact with contents of the capsule. The analysis device also has a release mechanism, disposed within the housing and coupled to a valve within the capsule; the valve for gating contact between the contents of the capsule and the sensor within the capsule, and the release mechanism configured to cause contact between the contents of the capsule and the sensor. The analysis device sensor can then read the result of the sensor in the capsule, and transmit the result to the user.

In alternate embodiments of the invention, the self-contained portable analysis device may also have a filter disposed in a path traversed by the contents of the capsule antecedent to contact with the sensor. The sensor holder may be integral with the capsule. The self-contained portable analysis device may also have an electromechanical actuator, coupled to the housing, configured to cause mixing of the medium sample and the solvent within the capsule. Furthermore, it may have a transparent or partially opaque viewport allowing the result from the sensor to be read from outside the housing.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a capsule is provided for use in a self-contained portable analysis device. The capsule has an enclosed volume for retaining a solvent and a medium sample, a cap adapted to permit introduction of the medium sample into the enclosed volume by a user, and a sensor holder for retaining a sensor and adapted for bringing the sensor in contact with contents of the capsule.

In other embodiments of the invention, the capsule may also have a valve adapted to gate contact between contents of the enclosed volume and the sensor. This valve may be a time driven mechanism such as a dissolvable wall, a timed valve that breaks a seal, or a material that absorbs solution at a known rate. The capsule may have a filter disposed between the contents of the enclosed volume and the sensor. The capsule may also have a metering element built into the cap or capsule, the metering element adapted to permit a specific volume or weight of medium sample into the enclosed capsule volume. The capsule may have a separate chamber adapted for introduction of the solvent and for withdrawal of the solvent upon actuation of a valve. The capsule also may be equipped with a mixer, which, as defined herein, includes mixing blades, grinders, ball bearings or the like, that aid in the mixing of the solvent and the medium to be tested.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top view of a portable analysis device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of salient components of the portable analysis device of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are flowcharts depicting processes for consumer analysis of samples for detection of harmful constituents, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective outside and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a top end cap containing components for releasing a valve in a capsule, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective outside and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a capsule used to mix and test a medium, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a capsule and a reader and schematically depicts insertion of the capsule into the reader in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Definitions. As used in this description and the accompanying claims, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context otherwise requires:

A “food substrate” is a food substance or an item that comes into contact with a food substance such as a utensil, swab, textile (for example: a napkin or paper) or other similar items. A food substrate is one instance of a “medium” that may be analyzed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

A “medium” is any substrate or sample that is to be tested for any of the target analytes. Examples of media, as the term is used herein, include a food substrate, a cosmetic, a lotion or anything that comes into contact with the body of a human or animal. It may also be a consumable, as the term is defined below. Some, but not all, media come in contact with human or animal skin. Examples of media that come in contact with human or animal skin include lotions, creams, soaps, cosmetics, and the like.

A “capsule” is any vial, container or other such item that can hold a liquid, gaseous, or solid material. A “capsule” may be disposable or reusable and may be removable from a larger testing housing or may be permanently affixed.

To “provision” a capsule means to equip with any object or resource needed to facilitate and complete testing for an analyte. This can include but is not limited to chemicals, electrical or mechanical equipment, and sensing devices. Provisioning may occur before, during, or after a test is run.

A “test strip” is any substrate or liquid medium or sensor that provides a detectable response to an analyte for which the device is testing. The “test strip” may take the form of an “actual strip,” which is to say a material that is long, narrow and flat, but also includes any other embodiment indicated by the design of the capsule.

An “indication” of presence of the target analyte is any detectable response of the analyte to a sensing medium. This could be in the form of a color change, fluorescence emission, infrared emission, magnetic response, electrical response, acoustic change or other type of detectable response.

A “dispersion” refers to any mixture combining the solvent used for extracting the analyte with a sample of the sampled medium. A “dispersion” may include inhomogeneous mixtures, completely dissolved homogenous mixtures and any variation of the two. Unless expressly distinguished in a particular context, the words dispersion, mixture, solvate and solution are used interchangeably in the present description.

A “valve” is any device for controlling or gating the passage of a liquid, solid, or gas.

Bringing a solvent into contact with a medium resulting in a mixture or solution may be referred to herein as “mixing.”

A “sensor” is any substrate or device that can be used to detect the presence of a medium. A “test strip” is an example of one instance of a “sensor.”

A “mixer,” as the term is used herein, is any structure, such as mixing blades, grinders or the like, that may aid in the mixing of a medium and a solvent.

Interpreting the result from a sensor or test strip, whether visually, electronically, or mechanically, or by other means, may be referred to herein as “reading.”

A “consumable,” as the term is used herein, includes a solid or a liquid that is consumed by humans or animals, such as a foods, beverages, medicines, and the like.

Representative embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, showing outside and cross sectional views of a self-contained reader/container assembly, designated generally by numeral 101. Reader/container assembly 101 may also be referred to herein as a “reader.” The scope of the present invention does not limit the shape or design of the container depicted here, and may be cylindrical, pyramidal, a hybrid of multiple 3D shapes or other shape that may contain a solid or liquid medium for mixing. The housing of the container may be made of plastic, metal or any other material, depending upon design or manufacturing preference and the needs of the user. Contained within the container are all the electrical and mechanical components required to mix the media with the solvent, release the mixture from its containment allowing it to be delivered to the test strip, and read the results of the test strip.

A housing 103 of the reader 101 is composed of a housing left end cap 100, an outer sheath 105, an inner sheath 140, housing right end cap 141, and a compression button 145. These components of the housing 103 enclose electronics (circuit board(s), battery(ies), etc.) 190 for the reader, a motor to drive the mixing 180, a solenoid 175 to properly align a disposable capsule 200 (shown in FIG. 4A) so that test strip 299 (shown in FIG. 4B) may be positioned correctly in test strip holder 235 to be read by the reader, a housing slot for the capsule 115, and the associated equipment to release the media/solvent mixture inside the capsule 200 to the test strip 299, as now described.

A mechanism for releasing the fluid inside the capsule may include a button 145 connected to a valve release rod 150 that opens a valve in the capsule when actuated. The valve release rod 150 is aligned by a bushing 160, and is returned back into starting position by a compression spring 135.

Once inserted into the reader 101, the capsule is aligned axially by mating the bearing/capsule female coupling 261 (shown in FIG. 4B) with the bearing/capsule male coupling 111. The bearing/capsule male coupling 111 is fitted into a bearing 120 which is fitted into the sliding compression mount 155. When the reader is closed, compression spring 125 forces the capsule to contact the motor/capsule coupling 110 on one end, and the bearing/capsule coupling 111 on the other end. This aligns and constrains the capsule axially, and allows it to rotate with the motor 180 and bearing 120. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, this agitation mechanism, or another agitation mechanism involving internal blades, a grinder, a grater, vibration, etc., may be operated through a drive-shaft, gearing, electromechanical, magnetic, or other means.

The flowchart of FIG. 2A depicts steps in the processing of a food sample, or substrate, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In a first step 301, a medium 260 (shown in FIG. 4B) is placed into capsule 200, wherein the capsule is provisioned with a solvent and a test strip configured to test for the target analyte. The solvent is caused, in step 303, to come into contact with the medium in the capsule. The capsule, powered by a motor directly by the user, is agitated 305 so as to mix the solvent and medium and to enhance dispersing or dissolving, thereby creating a dispersion, in the solvent, of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism is operated 307 in such a way as to cause conduction 309 of the dispersion to the test strip 299 (shown in FIG. 4B), so that test strip 299 produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. Any such indication may then be read 311, either by a user or automatically (i.e., by an electrical sensor in the device).

The flowchart in FIG. 2B depicts steps in the processing of medium 260 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In the first step 401, the medium is sampled by an apparatus 210, built into capsule 200, wherein the capsule is provisioned with a solvent and a test strip 299 configured to test for the target analyte. In one embodiment of the invention, apparatus 210 samples a specific and pre-defined volume or weight of the medium being tested. In one embodiment of the invention, the solvent is provisioned within a separate chamber 250 in the capsule 200, until a valve 255 is actuated to release the solvent to come in contact with the medium 260. Valve 255 may be actuated by a mechanical device such as a spring, lever, etc., or by an electromechanical device such as a motor, solenoid, etc., or by force applied from the user. Medium 260 is then agitated (405) within the capsule, with agitation driven by a motor, ultrasonic actuator, the user, etc., in order to create a dispersion of any portion of the target analyte present in the medium. In one embodiment, a release mechanism is operated (407) in such a way as to cause conduction of the dispersion through a filter (409) in order to filter out any solid particles or other material that could affect the validity or sensitivity of the test, thereby improving the detection of the test. The filter is disposed between the solvent and/or medium and the sensor. The dispersion is then conducted (411) to the test strip, so that the test strip produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. Any such indication may then be read (413) either by a user or automatically. This indication may then be transmitted (415) electronically, magnetically, electromagnetically, visually, mechanically, through radio-frequency, etc. to a mobile phone, tablet, computer, or other device, including devices of a 3^(rd) party device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective outer and cross sectional views of the top end cap 141 (shown in FIG. 1B) containing all the components required to release the valve on the capsule. Components of FIGS. 3A and 3B also appear in FIG. 1. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the release rod is inserted by the user, but, within the scope of the present invention, insertion may also be by any electro-mechanical means such as a solenoid, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, outer and cross sectional views are shown of the capsule 200 used to mix and test the media. The capsule is comprised the left capsule end cap 205, right capsule end cap 230, and capsule shell 215. Cut into the left end cap 205 is an alignment slot 201 that allows for the solenoid to engage and properly align the capsule, after mixing, for correct reading of the test strip used. The left end cap 205 also contains a holder for any utensil, such as a swab or spoon, which may be used to gather food and insert into the capsule and a female slot 260 for coupling with the mixing motor. In this embodiment the motor is coupled through a compression fitting, although many types of mechanical, electrical or magnetic coupling would work.

The left end cap 205 is a compression fitted cap that can be removed to allow food or other media to be inserted into the capsule. Once food or other media is put into the capsule the left end cap 205 is replaced onto the capsule housing 215 and the capsule is then inserted into the housing 101 at the position designated by numeral 115 in FIG. 1. The right end cap 230 contains the valve door 220 (otherwise referred to herein as a “valve”), valve release rod coupling 225, and an insertion slot 240 for the release rod. When the reader is closed, the motor/capsule female coupling 260 is compressed into the motor/capsule male coupling port 110 (shown in FIG. 1) so that torque can be transmitted from the motor to the capsule, which is required for mixing to begin. Once mixing is completed the release rod 150 (shown in FIG. 1) is pushed into the insertion slot 240 for the release rod. This opens the valve door 220 by pushing the valve release rod coupling 225 open and allows the mixture inside the capsule to contact a sensor, of which test strip 299 is an example. The test strip 299 is connected to the valve and is sent outside the capsule via the test strip exit slot 245 so it can be read by the reader (FIG. 1). In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the sensor is visible outside the capsule. In other embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the sensor is disposed outside the capsule.

FIG. 5 shows capsule 200 and reader 101 together and how capsule 200 is inserted into reader 101. The outside sheath 105 of the reader is rotated to open the holding area for the capsule 115. The capsule is placed directly into the capsule insertion port 185 and the sheath 105 is then rotated closed. The compression spring 135 (shown in FIG. 1) compresses the capsule female motor coupling port 260 onto the male motor coupling and locks the capsule in place, at which point testing can begin.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the apparatus described herein is used to extract samples potentially containing toxins or other analytes from specific media and to deliver any extracted toxins to an appropriate sensor. The sampled medium may be any medium that may be consumed or that may contact an individual or animal. Examples include foods, drinks, medicines, vitamins, cosmetics, lotions, etc., all recited without limitation, and may also include any medium that has come into contact with a consumable item. The toxins for which testing is performed may be anything that produces a negative response from the individual or animal such as a poison, a bacterium, a fungus, an allergen, pesticides, MSG, heavy metals, etc. The toxins tested for may also be anything that an individual may want to monitor intake levels of such as caffeine, phenylalanine, aspartame, artificial flavors or colors, fat, proteins, sugars, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, etc. The target analyte may also be chosen from the group of pathogens including bacteria, fungus, yeast, pesticides, and other toxins. The target analyte may also be a dietary unit chosen from the group including fat, protein, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals.

The testing device consists of two main components; a container 200 that mixes the sampled medium, with an extraction solution and delivers the extraction solution to a sensor, and a housing unit that powers the mixer and reads the result of the sensor. Depending on the specific embodiment of the sensor, such as a visually-based sensor, the housing unit may or may need to read the result of the sensor. Test strip 299 is an example of such a sensor.

This device described in accordance with the present invention may advantageously allow individuals to rapidly test any consumer product that may contain a substance harmful to them. For example, many foods contain allergens that cause a multitude of problems from rashes and gastric distress to anaphylactic shock. Consumers who are affected by one of these allergens currently have no rapid method to test any food they encounter so they must be extremely sure of the content of the food or avoid it completely. Devices in accordance with the present invention, however, allow the consumer to test a small sample of the food very quickly to determine if it contains any harmful contaminants to them.

It should be understood that, within the scope of the present invention, the medium to be sampled may be placed into capsule 200 that contains a solvent designed to extract a specific analyte contained within the media. The sampled medium may be placed into the capsule directly or may be added via a tool such as a swab, spoon or other utensil. Capsule 200 is equipped with a sensor (of which test strip 299 is an example) that will detect the presence of the target analyte. The sensor may be in the form of a strip, such as a lateral flow device, or another type of sensor, now known or later invented, that displays results in a variety of forms such as color change, spectral emission, magnetic, electrical current or bias, acoustic or any other known sensing method.

Once the food substrate or other sampled medium is placed into capsule 200, the capsule is placed into a reader housing 103 where the sampled medium and the solvent are mixed together to enhance extraction of the target analyte. In the embodiment described herein the mixing is caused by rotating or oscillating capsule 200 to create agitation, but it is to be understood that any other embodiment of mixing, using apparatus such as blades, grinders, shakers, or agitators, provided by way of example, are within the scope of the present invention. Power may be supplied to the mixing by means of a motor rotating the capsule, a motor rotating the mixing agitators, ultrasonic actuation, or magnetically, all recited by way of example. Mixing enhancers such as ball bearings or the like, contained within the capsule, may be employed in conjunction with any of the aforesaid mixing modalities. All of the forgoing are non-exhaustive examples of mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus may be adapted for operation from outside the capsule, as through a drive-shaft, gearing, electro- mechanical, magnetic or other means. Power may be supplied to the mixing device by the user, as by manually turning the grinders, pushing the medium through a grinding, grating or mixing apparatus, manually shaking, or rotating the device, all recited by way of example.

After mixing is complete, capsule 200 releases the solvent/media mixture so the solution contacts the test being used. In one embodiment of the invention, a valve 220 is used to release the mixture to the sensor, and, more particularly, to a portion of the sensor that is disposed outside of the capsule. However any number of mixture release mechanisms could be used. Valve 220 may be actuated by a mechanical actuator or an electromagnetic actuator, or both. A spring and a lever are non-exhaustive examples of mechanical actuators. A motor, a solenoid and an electromagnet are non-exhaustive examples of electromechanical actuators.

Once the mixture reaches the sensor, the sensor checks the mixture for the presence of the target analyte, and the reader determines the result of the test. If the test is positive, an indication, either through indicator lights, a visual screen, or other mechanical or optical means, displays the positive result, or similarly displays a negative result for the target analyte. A test result may be transmitted to an external device. The external device may be a third-party device, and it may be a mobile phone, tablet, or computer, for example.

Embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in any appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for testing a medium for the presence of a target analyte, the method comprising: a. placing the medium in a capsule, the capsule characterized by a volume, wherein the capsule is provisioned with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for the target analyte; b. causing the solvent to come into contact with the medium in the capsule; c. agitating the capsule, thereby agitating the solvent and the medium and creating a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium; d. operating a release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor; and e. producing an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sensor is visible outside of the capsule.
 3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the release mechanism is a valve disposed in a fluid path between the capsule and a portion of the sensor disposed outside of the capsule.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed at least partially inside the capsule volume.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein agitation is provided by a mixing apparatus.
 6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: a. providing the solvent in a separate chamber within the capsule; and b. activating a valve to release the solvent to come in contact with the medium.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the valve is actuated by at least one of a mechanical actuator and an electromechanical actuator.
 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the valve is actuated at least in part by a force applied by a user.
 9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising passing the solvent through a filter.
 10. A method according to claim 5, further comprising operating the mixing apparatus from outside the capsule.
 11. A method according to claim 5, wherein agitating includes providing power to the mixing apparatus by an electromechanical actuator.
 12. A method according to claim 5, wherein agitating includes providing power to the mixing apparatus by a user.
 13. A method according to claim 1, where the capsule is adapted for connection through physical, electronic, or electromagnetic methods to an outside housing in such a manner as to provide for reading of the sensor.
 14. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a test result electronically, or electromagnetically, to an external device.
 15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the medium is a consumable.
 16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the medium is a substance that will come in contact with human or animal skin.
 17. A method according to claim 1, where the target analyte is a food allergen.
 18. A method according to claim 1, where the target analyte is a chosen from the group of materials causing negative responses in certain humans, including caffeine, phenylalanine, aspartame, MSG, heavy metals, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.
 19. A method according to claim 1, where the target analyte is chosen from the group of pathogens including bacteria, fungus, yeast, pesticides, viruses and other toxins.
 20. A method according to claim 1, where the target analyte is a dietary unit chosen from the group including fat, protein, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, vitamins, and minerals.
 21. A self-contained portable analysis device comprising: a. a housing; b. a capsule insertion port disposed in the housing for releasably receiving a capsule configured to retain a medium; c. a sensor holder for retaining a sensor, the sensor holder configured to bring the sensor into contact with contents of the capsule; d. a valve gating contact between the contents of the capsule and the sensor; and e. a release mechanism, disposed within the housing and coupled to the valve, configured to cause contact between the contents of the capsule and the sensor.
 22. A self-contained portable analysis device in accordance with claim 21, further comprising a filter disposed in a path traversed by the contents of the capsule antecedent to contact with the sensor.
 23. A self-contained portable analysis device in accordance with claim 21, wherein the sensor holder is integral with the capsule.
 24. A self-contained portable analysis device in accordance with claim 21, further comprising an electromechanical actuator, coupled to the housing, configured to cause mixing of the medium sample and the solvent within the capsule.
 25. A self-contained portable analysis device in accordance with claim 21, further comprising a transparent viewport allowing the result from the sensor to be read from outside the housing.
 26. A capsule for use in a self-contained portable analysis device, the capsule comprising: a. an enclosed volume for retaining a solvent and a medium sample; b. a cap adapted to permit introduction of the medium sample into the enclosed volume by a user; and c. a sensor holder for retaining a sensor and adapted for bringing the sensor in contact with contents of the capsule.
 27. A capsule in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a valve adapted to gate contact between contents of the enclosed volume and the sensor.
 28. A capsule in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a filter disposed between the contents of the enclosed volume and the sensor.
 29. A capsule in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a metering element built into the cap or capsule, the apparatus adapted to permit a specific volume or weight of medium sample into the enclosed capsule volume.
 30. A capsule in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a separate chamber adapted for introduction of the solvent and for withdrawal of the solvent upon actuation of a valve.
 31. A capsule in accordance with claim 26, further comprising a mixer for mixing the medium and solvent. 